This exhibition catalogue shows the evolution of taste in the Italian and European courts from late mannerism through to the first decades of last century. Writing desks, tables, beds, chairs, thrones, mirrors, vases, and objects made of or decorated with precious materials, such as gold, silver, semiprecious stones, or mother of pearl are reproduced in the book. Detailed captions assist the reader in understanding and appreciating the technical craftsmanship of engravers, cabinet makers, bronze workers, as well as the creative genius of architects, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Filippo Juvarra, Filippo Parodi, Andrea Fantoni and Francesco Pianta are shown side by side, highlighting contrasts similarities and forms, with leading contemporary masters such as Ico Parisi, Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Vico Magistretti, Achille Castiglioni, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass, Joe Colombo and Andrea Branzi